AL HB 554: Colleges, state four-year, veterans, children ...



AlabamaAL HB 554: Colleges, state four-year, veterans, children of deceased and disabled veterans, comprehensive transition and postsecondary programs for children of disabled veterans with intellectual disabilities, tuition reimbursement provided for. Enacted: May 17, 2021Establishes that an Alabama student in an approved comprehensive transition program (CTP) with a parent who is a veteran with a disability (or deceased from combat) will receive equal state educational benefits to students who have similar parentage, but are enrolled in traditional 4-year college and university degree programs.ArkansasAR SB 457: To expand eligibility for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program – Part 2 to include a student who is accepted into an approved comprehensive transition and postsecondary program.Referred to Committee: March 2, 2021Expands eligibility for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship to include Arkansas students enrolled in comprehensive transition programs (CTPs) with the state. The scholarship amounts that CTP students could receive vary according to the length of their program. Students in a 2-year CTP could receive up to $1,000 per year, whereas students in a 4-year CTP could receive $1,000 for Year 1, $4,000 in Years 2 and 3, and $5,000 in Year 4.CaliforniaAB 2434: Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Postsecondary EducationReleased from Committee without further action: November 30, 2016Report of California’s Statewide Task Force on Special Education Issued: March 2015One-time General Fund costs ($1,000,000)Establishes a Blue Ribbon Commission to develop recommendations for access and affordability.The Commission will have nine members appointed equally by the Governor, the Senate Committee on Rules and the Speaker of the Assembly.Will determine amount of increased investments needed for universal PSE.Will submit recommendations to the Governor and California legislature.Calls for the creation of a data collection system that will track students with IDD in California so that information therein can be used to monitor and evaluate existing PSEs.Calls for more state collaboration with LEAs, ROPs, and CMOs.Urges inclusive PSE curriculum developers to place greater emphasis upon preparing students with intellectual disabilities for adult independent living.ColoradoSB 196: Inclusive Higher Education ActSigned: June 6, 2016Line Item (FY 2016-17 through FY 2020-21).Creates a pilot program at University of Northern Colorado, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, and Arapahoe Community College.The program is supported through a collaboration between the Department of Higher Education, JFK Partners and the Colorado Initiative for Inclusive Higher Education.Program site institutions must collaborate with Colorado Dept. of Labor and Employment to identify VR supports and opportunities.DelawareHB 326: An Act to amend title 14 of the Delaware Code relating to the Delaware Advance Scholarship Program.Passed: June 13, 2018Creates the Delaware Advance Scholarship Program, which provides grants for Delaware students with intellectual disabilities who are seeking a degree or comprehensive certificate at a CTP at a Delaware public higher education institution.Scholarship recipients must be high school graduates with either a diploma or certificate of completion.They must begin attending classes at the institution where they use the scholarship no later than two years after finishing high school unless they lived in foster care between ages 16 and 18 or developed an intellectual disability between 18 and 21.Recipients must also be under 25 and have been eligible for IDEA supports previously. They do not need to have received supports under IDEA to qualify for the scholarship.The first scholarships will be disbursed in FY2018-2019.FloridaSB 672: Florida Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition ActSigned: January 21, 2016Line Item: $95,336,000Creates a $7,000 Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP) Scholarship at individual public higher education institutions.Creates the Florida Center for Students with Disabilities, which will review reports from FPCTPs and determine creation of new ones in conjunction with the NCC.GeorgiaHB 793: FY 2021 AppropriationsHouse Passed: March 2020HR 642: House Study Committee on Postsecondary Education and Employment Options for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental DisabilitiesHouse Passed: 3/25/15This legislation appropriates $500,000 in funding for inclusive PSE for students with IDD in the FY 2021 Georgia state budget. This continues an annual source of funding set up in 2019, when the legislature reallocated $500,000 from the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency to the Georgia DD Council. This specific funding has been kept at the same level consistently since then.??This committee conducted a study into PSE needs for individuals with IDD from September-November 2015.It recommended that the Georgia legislature create an Employment First Georgia Council under the Georgia VR Agency.KentuckyHB 158: An Act relating to postsecondary financial aid for students with disabilities.Signed: April 26, 2016This authorizes an increase in the amount of Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarships (KEES) for students with IDD who enroll in a CTP in Kentucky.Such students will be eligible for a $500 KEES if they are enrolled in at least six credit hours in a term or $250 if they are enrolled in less than six credit hours.MarylandSenate Bill 872: James W. Hubbard Inclusive Higher Education Grant ProgramSigned: May 25, 2017Task Force to Study the Impact of Expanding Credit and Noncredit Courses for Students with Developmental DisabilitiesCreated: July 2013Funding for SB 872 shall be as provided in the State Budget.This would establish a new program to award competitive grants to institutions that create and implement inclusive pilot programs for students with IDD. Recipient institutions would need to develop a program that promotes inclusion within all aspects of student life and ensure that students have inclusive academic access, instruction, career development, campus engagement, self-determination, paid work experience, campus living and social activities.Task Force created by the Maryland General Assembly in July 2013.Recommends that Maryland develop an RFP to create two inclusive PSEs for students with IDDs, with a $1 million investment in planning and initial implementation.Also recommends that Maryland should create a state-level scholarship program for students with disabilities, establish universal design principles for accessible courses, and announce guidelines that require at least 50% of courses in PSE programs be inclusive college courses.Urges higher education institutions to create scholarships of their own for students with intellectual disabilities.Senate Bill 272: Financial Aid – Deaf and Hearing Impaired Students – Out of State Institutions of Higher EducationSigned: April 26, 2016This law expands eligibility for a Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award to include deaf and hearing-impaired students.The Educational Excellence Award is a need-based state grant given to degree-seeking students in 2-4 year programs at Maryland colleges and universities.MassachusettsS756: An Act creating higher education opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities, autism, and other developmental disabilities.Hearing scheduled: June 11, 2019This bill removes several standard requirements for students with disabilities in order to enroll in inclusive PSE. Under the bill, students would no longer have to do the following to take part in inclusive undergraduate courses:Take a standardized college entrance aptitude testMeet minimum GPA requirementsObtain a passing score on statewide assessment testsHave a high school diploma or equivalent.All public IHEs in Massachusetts are also directed to work with state authorities to create guidelines for inclusive courses. The bill would expand inclusive undergraduate courses to all public IHEs in Massachusetts.The bill has a companion, H1026. HYPERLINK "" H4286: An Act creating higher education opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities, autism, and other developmental disabilities.Reported favorably/recommended by Joint Committees on Health Care Financing and Ways and Means and referred to House Committee on Ways and Means: June 7, 2018The Massachusetts Executive Office of Education will develop and administer a discretionary grant program that will support partnerships aimed at providing inclusive concurrent enrollment options to students with disabilities age 18 to 21. The partnerships will be between school committees and public higher education institutions in Massachusetts. Partnerships supported by the grant program should enable students with severe intellectual disabilities, autism, or other developmental disabilities to take inclusive credit-bearing and non-credit courses, participate in on-campus student life, and prepare themselves for competitive employment. They must also waive said students’ tuition and provide all supports and services necessary to facilitate their participation in the aforementioned activities.Eligible students must be considered to have “severe intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, or other developmental disabilities”. Students age 18 to 19 inclusive must have been unable to achieve the competency determination necessary to pass the statewide assessment test.H4561: An Act relative to the inclusive concurrent enrollment grant program.Ordered to a third reading: July 31, 2016Funding for H4561 would have been as provided in the State Budget.The Massachusetts Executive Office of Education must develop and administer a discretionary grant program to fund partnerships between public higher education institutions and school committees that create inclusive concurrent enrollment program options for students with IDD aged 18-21.The Executive Office of Education will produce a report on the programs in question by December 2017. H3955: An Act relative to strengthening and expanding affordable, quality higher education opportunities for residents of the Commonwealth.Referred to Committee: January 21, 2016.BudgetBroadly expands higher education funding across Massachusetts for FY 2016-17.MinnesotaHF 1972: A bill for an act relating to higher education; appropriating money to the Office of Higher Education for a competitive grant to an organization providing vocational and life skills training to young adults with learning differences; requiring a Referred to Committee: March 8, 2021Appropriates $1,500,000 in FY 2022 and FY 2023 to fund a grant to establish a postsecondary education program for individuals with learning differences and autism spectrum disorder.The educational institution or organization that receives the grant must ensure the following for students:Vocational and life skills trainingResidential campus experiencePost-graduate career and community support. The grant awarded by the state must fund need-based scholarships and tuition reduction for students. SF 3243: Students with intellectual and developmental disabilities grants expansion to institutions in states sharing a geographic border with panion Bill: HF3401Hearing in Senate: February 27, 2020This bill and its companion expand grants for students with IDD enrolled in CTPs to include postsecondary institutions in states that share a geographic border with Minnesota.This means that students with IDD can use Minnesota’s public financial aid grants to attend a CTP in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin.The institutions where these grants can be used must have a participation agreement with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education.No more than 25% of grants set aside each year to students with IDD will be given to students who opt to attend an out-of-state CTP.The Minnesota state government has the power to cut financial awards given to students with IDD at out-of-state CTPs so that they can reallocate the funds to in-state CTP students.The commissioner of the state Office of Higher Education will submit an annual report about these awards to the legislature every year by February 15.MN HF 1990: A bill requiring a program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities at certain state universities.Referred by Chair to House as Higher Education Finance and Policy Division: March 4, 2019This bill requires that at least two Minnesota state colleges and universities offer an inclusive academic program for students with IDD. The programs must offer an inclusive, two-year, full time residential experience to students with IDD and enable them to engage fully in campus life.The curricula should include life skills, financial literacy, independent living, and rigorous coursework in an area of study chosen by the student.Internships and apprenticeships must also be offered.The Board of Trustees of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities must select the specific institutions.Those chosen must admit at least 15 students with IDD to the new program year. HF4464: A bill for an Act relating to higher education; requiring the Office of Higher Education to inform students of postsecondary education options for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities; appropriating money for a grant to Minnesota Life College; amending Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 136A.87.Referred to the Committee on Higher Education and Career Readiness Policy and Finance: April 25, 2018.FY 2019 line item appropriation ($100,000) will support a one-time grant to Minnesota Life College.The Minnesota Office of Higher Education will make available to all residents information about planning and preparing for postsecondary opportunities, beginning in 7th grade through adulthood. This includes but is not limited to postsecondary education options for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.All Minnesota students and parents will receive broader information from the Office about planning for PSE early, appropriate courses to take in high school, how to evaluate PSE programs before applying to or enrolling in them, how to transfer credits across institutions, and financial assistance options in the state.The bill also appropriates $100,000 to create a one-time grant to Minnesota Life College, a three-year life skills training PSE program for youth with ASD and “other learning differences”. HF2896: A bill for an act relating to higher education; requiring implementation of a pilot program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities at certain state universities.Referred to Committee: March 10, 2016Establishes a new two-year pilot academic program for students with IDD. The program will be located at four state universities and will admit at least ten new students ever year.The program will provide mentoring supports and internship/apprenticeship opportunities to students and will aim to promote independent living. The Board of Trustees of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities will design the program and report regularly to the legislature.New JerseySB 3824 / A 5780 – Directs Secretary of Higher Education to develop career and education guidance for postsecondary students with disabilities.Referred to Committee: June 1, 2021. The New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education will publish a career and education guidance for postsecondary students with disabilities.The guide will provide information about the following with regard to every higher education institution in New Jersey: Disability career centers, placement, and counselingWork-based learning options, including internshipsAvailability of notetaking services, accessible parking, housing, and dining, and exam accommodations. Broad-based career planning guidanceGuidance on how and when to disclose one’s disabilityHow to request reasonable accommodationsWorkers’ rights for employees with disabilities;Assistive technologies in the workplace.The guide will also provide information about national and regional organizations that people with disabilities can contact for advocacy and support. SB 4052: Establishes pilot program in DOE for special education students to attend college courses or vocational training programs.Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee following reporting from Senate Education Committee: November 14, 2019This bill establishes a pilot program for special education students to attend college courses or vocational training programs at county college, vocational schools and local IHEs in NJ.The program will be administered by local school districts that will submit a proposal to the New Jersey Education Commissioner to set up a partnership with a nearby postsecondary institution. They are responsible for all management and must cover students’ tuition. The program’s pilot phase will last 4 years in 15 school districts before its future status is determined.New YorkS5071: Relates to allowing for students in postsecondary education experience or transition program to receive awards from the tuition assistance programCompanion Bill: A7236Referred to Higher Education Committee, Reported and Committed to Finance Committee: February 10, 2020This bill permits students enrolled in New York postsecondary education experience or transition program to receive awards from the state tuition assistance program.The New York State Commissioner of Education will create new rules to make this access happen.The bill uses the term “comprehensive training programs” to refer to CTPs, instead of “comprehensive transition programs”, which creates some ambiguity.A8075: An Act to amend the education law, in relation to establishing a college experience program for students with developmental disabilities.Referred to Committee on Higher Education: January 28, 2019This bill requires the trustees of SUNY and CUNY to create regulations that will establish a two-year college experience program for students with developmental disabilities at each SUNY and CUNY postsecondary education institution.The college experience program must include academic components focused on practical living skills, including cooking, personal finance, health and wellness, internships, and interpersonal communications.The program must provide housing for students.State university trustees have control over admissions standards, including the level of academic proficiency needed to qualify as a student in such a program.Students may pay tuition through HCBS waivers and SSI.This bill is a reintroduced version of A8075 from the 2018 session.North CarolinaHB 1105: COVID/Supplementary G.R.E.A.T. Grant Signed: September 4, 2020 This is a line-item for CTPs inserted into North Carolina’s COVID-19 response legislation.It directs the University of North Carolina (UNC) Board of Governors to allocate funds to UNC institutions for up to 100 resident full-time students enrolled in CTPs. The funding begins with FY 2021-2022, with direction to allocate funds each year thereafter.If there are more than 100 resident full-time students enrolled at UNC system CTPs in any academic year, the UNC Board of Governors must allocate funds to each institution on a pro rata basis. HB 351: Catherine’s Law: An Act to appropriate funds for University of North Carolina enrollment funding for the purpose of addressing funding equity for approved comprehensive transition programs.Reported Favorably: April 2, 2019This bill secures $2 million to support courses for resident full-time students enrolled in CTPs in North Carolina.It will support three CTPs at UNC Greensboro, Western Carolina University, and Appalachian State University.The bill, entitled “Catherine’s Law”, draws money from the North Carolina General Fund.HB 97: 2015 Appropriations ActSigned: September 18, 2015North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority 2016 ReportState BudgetFY 2016-2017 State BudgetThis authorizes the development of a program and new fiscal policies to broaden PSE options. Instructs state agencies, community colleges and the public university system to create and implement new data indicators to monitor professional outcomes of students with IDD.This reviews existing financial aid resources for students with IDD. It finds that most students rely on federal financial aid, private loans and VR assistance to pay for higher education.The report recommends that the state expand eligibility for the UNC need-based grant program and the North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship to include students in CTP programs.North DakotaAn Act to create and enact a new section chapter 15.132 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to a postsecondary transitional grant program.Enacted: April 20, 2021Establishes that school district payments (integrated formula payments) will be made to postsecondary transitional programs for North Dakota students who are on IEPs.The North Dakota Superintendent of Public Instruction is responsible for reviewing and approving postsecondary transitional program, and administering payments. TPSID in North Dakota can use these payments to cover program fees for students, making them more affordable. OhioHB 49: FY 2018-2019 Operating BudgetLine Item Veto Receipt: February 2, 2018State Budget (Line Item)Enables students with intellectual disabilities in CTPs to apply for the Ohio College Opportunity Grant. Students must be enrolled in a CTP to qualify for the grant. This is a line item insertion within the state budget. HYPERLINK "" SB 5: Address College AffordabilityPassed (Senate): June 20, 2017State Budget (Line Item)Increases the maximum income tax deduction allowed for contributions to a disability expense account or federally tax-advantaged college savings plan in Ohio. Specifically, this bill doubles the permitted maximum income tax deduction from $2,000 to $4,000 per year for each beneficiary.Also creates a Joint Committee on Ohio College Affordability to review and recommend strategies to lower the cost of attending college. Committee members will be bipartisan and appointed by both houses of the Ohio Legislature.OklahomaHR 1065: A Resolution Supporting the Development of Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual and Developmental DisabilitiesSigned: April 21, 2016Funding will be determined via state appropriations.Directs Oklahoma Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) to work with all government agencies that provide services to individuals with IDD to develop comprehensive transition and postsecondary education programs.Programs created from such partnerships must also include private sector businesses that can create practical learning opportunities for students.IHE transition programs must work with national disability groups to collect and analyze student outcome data.Rhode IslandSB 2476: An Act Relating to State Affairs and Government – Governor’s Workforce BoardSigned: June 28, 2016The Governor’s Workforce Board must produce a strategic statewide employment and training plan for expanding career opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The plan will be developed over two fiscal years and submitted to the Governor.The Workforce Board must also convene an advisory committee to find ways to broaden employment opportunities via the State Career Pathways System.TennesseeHB 1983: Scholarships and Financial Aid – As enacted, revises various provisions governing Tennessee STEP UP scholarships.Signed: May 2, 2016Funding will be determined via state appropriations.This act enables recipients of the STEP UP scholarship to apply its funds to enrollment in four-year PSE programs. STEP UP could only be used for two-year programs previously.This expands eligibility for the Tennessee STEP UP scholarship, which supports students with intellectual disabilities who complete high school and pursue PSE at Lipscomb University, Union University, Vanderbilt University, the University of Memphis or the University of Tennessee.TexasTX SB 661: Relating to the establishment of the Building Better Futures Program to support educational and occupational skills training opportunities and support services for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities at public and private institutions of higher education.Referred to Committee: March 11, 2021Establishes the Building Better Futures Program to fund existing or emerging CTPs in Texas.The program will be overseen by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.In order to qualify for Building Better Futures funding, programs must have been granted CTP status by the U.S. Department of Education or be awaiting approval of CTP status within 3 years. Students at programs that receives Building Better Futures Funding must receive a certificate and credit hours they complete should be transferable to an associate or baccalaureate degree program. TX SB 1017: An Act Relating to the Creation of the Advisory Council on Postsecondary Education for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental DisabilitiesSigned: June 10, 20192019 Report on Recruitment of Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Public Institutions of Higher Education in TexasIssued: October 2019This bill directs the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to create an advisory council on postsecondary education for persons with IDD.The advisory council will develop educational outreach materials to raise awareness of PSE opportunities for IDD in Texas. It will also study higher education accessibility and recommend how to remove existing barriers in annual public reports.Advisory council members will be appointed by the THECB and will include members of the Texas Education Agency, the Texas Workforce Commission, and a Texas UCEDD.TX SB 2217: An Act relating to the establishment of the Texas Students with Disabilities Scholarship Program for Certain Students at Public Institutions of Higher EducationReferred to Senate Committee on Higher Education: March 21, 2019This bill directs the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to create the Texas Students with Disabilities Scholarship Program, which would provide assistance to students with disabilities at IHEs in Texas.Eligible students must be enrolled in an associate or baccalaureate degree or a certificate program, have applied for financial aid, be pursuing at least one-quarter of a full course load, and making satisfactory academic progress. The program will be developed in consultation with a Texas UCEDD and a statewide disability advocacy group.HB 1807: An Act relating to requiring the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to maintain an inventory of postsecondary educational programs and services for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.Signed: June 17, 20152016 Report of Recruitment & Inventory of Postsecondary Programs and Services for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Issued: October 2016Directs the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to publicize information about PSE programs for students with IDD online and update it completely at least once every two years.In October 2016, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board issued a survey of public higher education institutions regarding recruitment of students with IDD.The survey concluded that institutions do not have enough resources or staff devoted to identifying and recruiting students with IDD.Students who do enroll have difficulty transitioning, are often underprepared and face travel-related accessibility challenges.VermontS231: An act relating to the creation of a tuition-free scholarship program for Vermont students.Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Education: January 3, 2018 Creates the Vermont Promise Scholarship Program to provide tuition-free scholarships for Vermont students who attend the University of Vermont or a Vermont State College, beginning in FY 2020. A student with “a documented learning disability” may apply, but so can other students. A Promise Scholarship covers tuition costs for one academic year, with the option to re-apply at the end of each academic year. Recipients must be seeking a certificate, associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree and should be enrolled in at least 12 hours a semester with a 2.5 GPA or higher. Annual appropriation of $30,000,000 to be taken from the Vermont Education Fund, beginning in FY 2020. The amount will increase each fiscal year based on the National Income and Product Accounts (NIPA) Implicit Price Deflator for State and Local Government Consumption Expenditures and Gross Investment, a measure developed by the U.S. Department of Commerce.WashingtonWA SB 6360: Improving transition planning for students in special education who meet criteria for services from the Developmental Disabilities Administration.Senate Rules “X” file: February 22, 2018.HB 2949: Establishing a Commission on Persons with DisabilitiesFirst Reading, Referred to House Committee on Early Learning & Human Services:January 29, 2018This bill seeks to facilitate better coordination between state agencies and public services providers to make transition planning better for special education students who are eligible for DD Act services. It directs the Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction to establish interagency agreements with the state Department of Social and Health Services, Department of Services for the Blind and all other state agencies that provide high school transition services. Transition services for DD Act-eligible students must begin at least two years before the student will exit school.State agencies mentioned above that could provide transition services must be invited to participate in IEP meetings with consent from parents/caregivers or adult students with disabilities.Creates a statewide commission on persons with disabilities that will advance economic opportunity and equality, and promote full participation in communities, schools and workplaces.Every three years, the commission will produce a comprehensive statewide plan to address the needs of people with disabilities at all stages of life.From 2019 onwards, the commission will also create an annual report for the governor that analyzes disability policy and programs in WashingtonThe commission will advise the governor, who will appoint its executive director. The executive director must have “substantial professional or administrative experience in disability policy”. He or she will have full supervisory power over the commission.The governor will also appoint a twelve-member Persons with Disabilities Advisory Council to advise the executive director on developing policy recommendations and assessing disability needs. Seven members must be persons with disabilities.All council meetings will be open to the public.SB 5946: Establishing a Comprehensive Plan to Improve EducationReintroduced and Retained in Present Status:March 10, 2016Creates a blue ribbon commission to develop a strategic plan to improve education at all levels for students with mission members would include education advocates, researchers, educators, parents, students and mental health professionals appointed by the governor.GlossaryCMO: Charter Management OrganizationCTP: Comprehensive Transition ProgramFPCTP: Florida Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition ProgramIHE: Institution of Higher EducationKEES: Kentucky Educational Excellence ScholarshipsLEA: Local Education AgencyRFP: Request for ProposalROP: Regional Occupation ProgramTHECB: Texas Higher Education Board ................
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